Take It. Use It. Leave It. We’re talking umbrellas

It started as a simple idea when founders Adam Gelter and Andrea Kern traveled to Osaka, Japan, during last year’s rainy season. Impressed with an umbrella culture that allowed for sharing of similar umbrellas, they were inspired to bring the idea home and expand it in their own neighborhood of Over-the-Rhine.

Bright yellow umbrellas and dedicated bins, emblazoned with the “Everyone’s Umbrellas” logo, landed in 150 locations around OTR in June. The logo helps identify where the umbrellas can be found and left.

The idea became reality, thanks to a $10,000 grant from philanthropic lab People’s Liberty. Eight grantees are chosen each cycle to find solutions to civic challenges.

The Over-the-Rhine Chamber helped to engage local businesses and contributed $1,500 to Everyone’s Umbrella.